Beowulf: The First Surviving English Epic

Background

• Language and Origin: Written in Old English, originating from early Germanic legends.
• Setting: Pagan Scandinavia.
• Authorship: Author unknown, likely conveyed orally before manuscript form.
• Date: Only existing copy from the late 10th century.

Plot Summary

Introduction

• Beowulf: A Geatish warrior.
• King Hrothgar: King of the Danes, builds a grand hall, Heorot.
• Grendel: A monster descended from Cain, begins attacking Heorot.

Beowulf's Arrival

• Grendel's Reign of Terror: Lasts 12 years.
• Beowulf's Decision: Travels to Denmark to aid the Danes.
• Feast of Arrival: Beowulf boasts of his past victories.

Battle with Grendel

• Confrontation: Beowulf fights Grendel unarmed.
• Victory: Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm, Grendel flees and dies.
• Celebration: Grendel's arm is displayed in Heorot.

Grendel's Mother's Revenge

• Attack: Grendel's mother kidnaps a counselor.
• Beowulf's Pursuit: Beowulf seeks out the monster's lair.
• Battle: Beowulf uses a giant's sword to kill Grendel's mother and retrieves Grendel's head.
• Return: Beowulf is celebrated once more in Heorot.

Return to Geatland

• Alliance: Beowulf promises an alliance with Hrothgar.
• Kingship: Beowulf becomes king after King Hygelac's death.

Final Battle with the Dragon

• New Threat: A dragon rampages after a Geat servant steals a golden cup.
• Beowulf's Last Stand: Faces the dragon, assisted only by Wiglaf.
• Outcome: Beowulf kills the dragon but is mortally wounded.
• Legacy: Wiglaf inherits the treasure, scolds the cowardly warriors, and buries Beowulf with the dragon's hoard.

Themes and Motifs

• Heroism and Loyalty: Beowulf's bravery and loyalty to his comrades.
• Fate and Mortality: The inevitable nature of fate and death.
• Revenge and Honor: Central to the conflict and resolution.

Significance

• Cultural Impact: Beowulf as a foundational text of English literature.
• Symbolism: Represents the heroic code and transition from pagan to Christian values.